Unit 6: Vehicle Components and Systems/Permit Study Guide

The body is the part of the vehicle that holds passengers.

Body:

Brake fluid is the fluid necessary to stop your vehicle. The brake fluid drains to the brake lines.

Brake fluid:

Each vehicle should be equipped with a flashlight, in the event of breakdown. A flashlight will be needed to illuminate the engine, or to walk for help.

Flashlight:

The fuel tank is where you are able to store gasoline. Some vehicle's tanks carry more or less fuel then others. The fuel is stored in the tank and is burned as you run your vehicle. Make sure that your tank is secure and with a cap always in place and in good condition.

Fuel System: Tank:

Gauges and instruments in your vehicle should always be operating properly. This includes your speedometer, high beam indicator, turn signal indicator, gear shift position indicator, oil pressure gauge, ammeter, fuel gauge, and engine temperature indicator.

Gauges and Instruments:

(a) All lighting equipment of a required type installed on a vehicle shall at all times be maintained in good working order. Lamps shall be equipped with bulbs of the correct voltage rating corresponding to the nominal voltage at the lamp socket. (b) The voltage at any tail, stop, license plate, and side marker or clearance lamp socket on a vehicle shall not be less than 85% percent of the design voltage of the bulb. Voltage test shall be conducted with the engine operating. (c ) Two or more or reflector functions may be combined, provided each function subject to requirements established by the department meets such requirements. (1) No turn signal lamp may be combined optical with a stop lamp unless the stop lamp is extinguished when the turn signal is flashing. (2) No clearance lamp may be combined optically with any tail lamp or identification lamp.

.lighting equipment requirements 24252 CVC:

Ensure that your steering and wheel alignment are inspected and serviced appropriately as needed. This will ensure your safety and others.

Alignment:

The alternator is a device that changes mechanical energy from the engine into electricity. This allows the electrical energy for the battery to store.

Alternator Belt:

The automatic transmission allows a driver to drive without changing the gears themselves. The transmission automatically changes gears when the car reaches certain speeds. This allows the driver to spend more time focusing on the roadway and both hands on the wheel at all times. However, the driver may need to change the "shifter" into the reverse, neutral, low or high gears to help the driver maneuver different driving conditions. The vehicle with an automatic transmission has a gear shifter. The shifter has six positions.

Automatic Transmission:

The purpose of brakes is to allow you to stop your vehicle upon pressing down on the brake pedal. Your brakes are needed to be in top condition so that in an emergency situation you are able to stop completely without incident. The brake system is for the purpose of slowing, stopping and to keep your vehicle in the stopped position while operating your motor vehicle. *Vehicular control. The braking system gives the driver control over the vehicle, allowing the driver to slow, stop, or keep stopped while they are operating their vehicle. When the driver applies their brakes, they shall apply them in a smooth manner, to keep the most control over the vehicle. Under bad weather and road conditions, such as, but not limited to, rain, snow, ice, gravel, or dirt road; the driver at a much slower rate of speed. Therefore, which the brakes are needed, it can be accomplished in a smooth manner. This way the vehicle will not go into a skid, or go out of control. *Stopping requirements. Every vehicle shall be able to stop their vehicle at a maximum stopping distance of 25 feet when traveling at a rate of 20 miles per hour (exemptions: CVC. 26554 (b)). When you are driving a motor vehicle, you will be in situations where you must stop your vehicle extremely quick. In order to respond you must keep your brakes in top working conditions. Have your brake system checked every 3,000 miles. If you feel that there is play or give when you brake, you must have the brakes fixed.

B. Brakes: 1. Purpose:

Every vehicle must be equipped with on combination or two back-up lights, which illuminate white or may project incidental red, amber or white light through reflectors or lenses to the rear of the vehicle. The backup lights must be visible off the rear of the vehicle from a distance of 75 feet. The purpose of back-up lights is to warn drivers to your rear of when you are about to or are backing up your vehicle. Therefore, they will stop, since you are driving towards them with the back end of your vehicle, instead of driving forward with the front of your vehicle. Always look in your rear view mirror, and then turn to position your body so you are turned around to see the road or direction of your backing up. This is so you will see any vehicles, pedestrians, bicyclists, or objects that may be behind you. If a vehicle does not yield to your vehicle when you are backing up, let them pass you are get out of their way so you are not hit in the rear side.

Back-up lights:

Keep a tool box in your vehicle. Make sure that you have supplied it with the proper tools for your vehicle.

Basic Tools:

The brake lights are fixed to the rear of every vehicle. Every vehicle must be equipped with at least two brake lights. One fixed to the right side and the other to the left side, on the rear of the vehicle. Brake lights must illuminate red. They must be seen from a distance of 300 feet to the rear during the day and nighttime driving. The purpose of brake lights is to warn drivers to your rear and to warn you when a vehicle is slowing, stopped or stopping their vehicle. Allowing the driver of a vehicle to stop or slow down. In addition, not hit the vehicle in front of them when that vehicle is slowing, stopped or stopping. When you see the red brake lights you must slow down and prepare to stop.

Brake lights:

In vehicles with drum brakes, each wheel has a metal lining called a brake drum. When the driver presses down on the brake pedal the pressure travels through the brake lines to padded metal brake shoes. The brake shoes are pushed outward against the drum, stopping the wheel. In vehicles with disc brakes, a medal disc is attached to each wheel; over the disc is a large clamp. When the driver presses down on the brake pedal the sides of the clamps are pushed together, they pinch the disc like a thumb and forefinger.

Brake system: Lining and Drum/Disc:

The purpose of brakes is to allow the driver to stop the vehicle, upon pressing down on the brake pedal. The brakes must be in top working condition, so that in an emergency the driver is able to stop completely without incident. The brake pads are what usually need replaced, since they get the most wear. However, the struts, calipers and many other things can go wrong within the braking system. This is why it is imperative to have the braking system checked every 3,000 miles. Without the brakes working properly the driver will not have complete stopping control with the vehicle. The driver needs to be able to stop at the required time and within the required distance. Good brake control will keep the driver from an accident. Maintaining control of your vehicle is different if you car is equipped with regular breaks versus anti-lock brakes. Anti lock brakes can be slammed and you will maintain control and stop in case of an emergency. This type of brakes allows you to come to a stop without locking the tires. However, regular breaks must be pumped in order to maintain control of your vehicle. Failure to pump the breaks will lock the tires and you will lose maneuverability of your vehicle. Breaking should be a smooth process. Excessive braking or braking suddenly wastes gas.

Braking:

The carburetor is the engine chamber which fuel and air are mixed. Fuel injection is the spraying of liquid gasoline into the cylinder where is mixes with air to form a vapor, which will burn.

Carburetor/Fuel Injection:

(a) No parent or legal guardian, when present in a passenger vehicle or motor truck of less than 6,001 lbs. unladen weight, or weighing less than 40 pounds, regardless of age, to be transported upon a highway in the motor vehicle without providing and properly using, for each such child or ward, a child passenger restraint system meeting applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards. (b) No driver shall transport on a highway any child under four years of age, regardless of weight, or weighing less than 40 pounds, regardless of age, in a passenger vehicle or motor truck of less than 6,001 pounds unladen weight without providing and properly securing the child in a child passenger restraint system meeting applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards. This subdivision does not apply to a driver if the parent or legal guardian of the child is in the vehicle and is not the driver. (c)(1) A first offense under this section is punishable by a fine of one hundred dollars ($100), except that the court may waive the fine if the defendant establishes to the satisfaction of the court 2 that he or she is economically disadvantaged and the court, instead, refers the defendant to a child restraint low-cost purchase or loaner program. If the fine is waived, the court shall nevertheless report the conviction to the department pursuant to section 1803. (2) A second or subsequent offense under this section is punishable by a fine of one hundred ($100) m no part of which may be waived by the court. (d) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the fines collected for a violation of this section shall be allocated as follows: (1) Sixty percent to local health departments in the county where the violation occurred, to be used for a child passenger restraint low-cost purchase or loaner program which shall include, but not limited to, education on the proper installation and use of a child passenger restraint system. The county may contact for the implementation of the program. Local health departments shall report on an ongoing basis to the office of traffic safety in the business, transportation and housing agency whenever a child passenger restraint low-cost purchase or loaner program is developed or funded pursuant to subdivision (d). The office of traffic safety shall prepare and distribute to the countries a listing of all child passenger restraint low-cost purchase or loaner programs in the state. Each county shall forward the listing to the courts and county hospitals in that county. (2) Fifteen percent to the country for the administration of the program. (3) Twenty-five percent to the city, to be deposited in its general fund except that, if the violation occurred in an unincorporated area, this amount shall be allocated to the country for purposes of paragraph (1).

Child Passenger seat restraints: Requirements. 27360 CVC:

All brakes and component parts thereof shall be maintained in good condition and in good condition and in good working order. The brakes shall be so adjusted as to operate as equally as practicable with respect to the wheel on opposite sides of the vehicle.

Condition of brakes 26453 CVC:

Windshield wipers required by this code shall be maintained in good condition and shall provide clear vision through the windshield for the driver. Wipers shall be operated under conditions of fog, snow, or rain and shall be capable of effectively clearing the windshield under all ordinary storm or load conditions while the vehicle is in operation.

Conditions and use of windshield wipers, 26707 CVC:

The frame is the skeleton of the automobile. The frame supports all of the parts of the automobile into one tight package. Its construction can vary in many different forms.

Construction of the Automobile: Frame:

The fuel filter traps dirt and particles from entering into your fuel line. Which if enters will clog the line, impending fuel to reach the engine.

Filter:

Each vehicle should be equipped with a fire extinguisher, in the event of fire. The driver should be knowledgeable in how to use it.

Fire Extinguisher:

Each vehicle should be equipped with a fully supplied first aid kit, in the case of injury while driving.

First Aid Kit:

(a) The service brakes of every vehicle or combination of vehicles shall be adequate to control the movement of and to stop and hold such vehicle or combination of vehicles under all conditions of loading on any grade on which it is operated. (b) Every motor vehicle or combination of vehicles, at any time and under all conditions of loading, shall, upon application of the service brake, be capable of stopping from an initial speed of 20 miles per hour according to the following requirements: Maximum Stopping Distance (feet) (1) Any passenger vehicle...25 (2) Any single motor vehicle with a manufacture's gross vehicle Weight rating of less than 10,000 lbs...30 (3) Any combination of vehicles consisting of a passenger vehicle or Any motor vehicle with a manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating Of less than 10,000 lbs. in combination with any trailer, semi trailer or trailer coach...40 (4) Any single motor vehicle with a manufacturer's gross weight rating Of 10,000 lbs. or more or any bus...40 (5) All other combinations of vehicles...50

Control and stopping requirements 26454 CVC:

The radiator is like a water tank. It stores water for cooling the engine. Water is pumped out of the radiator into the engine.

Cooling system: Radiator:

It is unlawful to operate any motor vehicle upon a highway when the windshield or rear window is in such a defective condition as to impair the driver's vision either to the front or rear. In the event any windshield or rear window fails to comply with this code the officer making the inspection shall direct the driver to make the windshield and rear window conform to the requirements of this code within 48 hours. The officer may also arrest the driver and give him notice to appear in and further require the driver or the owner of the vehicle to produce in court satisfactory evidence that the windshield or rear window has been made to conform to the requirements of this code.

Defective windshields and rear windows 26710 CVC:

Drive is the fourth gear on the shifter. The drive position allows the driver to move the vehicle forward. Drive has an automatic gear changing system. This means that the vehicle changes from one gear to another without the driver having to switch the gears himself or herself. Except in regards to ascending or descending an incline.

Drive (D):

The battery is for storing energy in chemical form, which can be changed into electricity. This allows the electric current to run to the engine and start the vehicle. You should also check the electrolyte level in your battery periodically.

Electrical System: Battery:

Every vehicle must be equipped with emergency flashers that flash an amber or red light from and rear of the vehicle. They will flash in conjunction with the turn signal. For use when a vehicle is disabled, there is an accident; a vehicle is parked off the highway within 10 feet of the road. In addition, to when there is hazard on roadway; as to warn other drivers to, funeral procession and the vehicle that are engaged in it, and vehicle is traveling at an extreme low speed. All used to warn other drivers on the roadway of such and to direct the other vehicles clear of the situation.

Emergency flashers:

The engine is the machine that changes the energy of the heat to motion. The engine runs off of gasoline, it is lubricated by oils, and cooled by water. The engine and its' component are what able the vehicle to run and move.

Engine:

Exhaust systems should be inspected for security and leakage periodically.

Exhaust:

The fan and belt work together. The fan keeps the water cool, helping the water cool the engine, so that the engine does not overheat.

Fan and Belt:

*headlamps on motor vehicles 24400 CVC During darkness, every motor vehicle other than a motorcycle, shall be equipped with at least two headlamps, with at least one on each side of the front of the vehicle, and except as to vehicles registered prior to January 1, 1930, they shall be located directly above or in advance of the front axle of the vehicle. The headlamps and every light source in any headlamp unit shall be located at a height of not more that 54 inches nor less than 22 inches. *auxiliary driving and passing lamps 24402 CVC (a) any motor vehicle may be equipped with not to exceed two auxiliary passing lamps mounted on the front at a height of not less than 16 inches nor more than 42 inches. Driving lamps are lamps designed for supplementing the upper beam from headlamps and may not be lighted with the lower beam. (b) any motor vehicle may be equipped with not to exceed two auxiliary passing lamps mounted on the front at a height of not less than 24 inches nor more than 42 inches. Passing lamps are lamps designed for supplementing the lower beam from headlamps and may also be lighted with the upper beam. *fog lamps.24403 CVC Any motor vehicle may be equipped with not to exceed two fog lamps which may be used with, but shall not used in substitution of, headlamps. Fog lamps shall be mounted on the front at a height of not less than 12 inches not more than 30 inches and so aimed that when the vehicle is not loaded none of the highintensity portion of the light to the left of the center of the vehicle shall at a distance of 25 feet ahead project higher than a level of four inches below the level of the center of the lamp from which it comes. *multiple beams 24406 CVC Except as otherwise provided, the headlamps, or other auxiliary driving lamps, or a combination thereof, on a motor vehicle during darkness shall be so arranged that the driver may select at will between distributions of light projected to different elevations, and the lamps may, in addition, be so arranged that the selection can be made automatically. *upper and lower beams 24407 CVC Multiple-beam road lighting equipment shall be designed and aimed as follows: (a) There shall be an uppermost distribution of light or composite beam, so aimed and of such intensity as to reveal persons and vehicles at a distance of at least 350 feet ahead for all conditions of loading. (b) There shall be a lowermost distribution of light or composite beam so aimed and of sufficient intensity to reveal a person or vehicle at a distance of at least 100 feet ahead. On a straight level road under any condition of loading none of the high intensity portion of the beam shall be directed to strike the eyes of an approaching driver. *use of multiple beams 24409 CVC Whenever a motor vehicle is being operated during darkness, the driver shall use a distribution of light, or composite beam, directed high enough and of sufficient intensity to reveal persons and Vehicles at a safe distance in advance of the vehicle, subject to the following requirements and limitations: (a) Whenever the driver of a vehicle approaches an oncoming vehicle within 500 feet, they shall use a distribution of light or composite beam so aimed that the glaring rays are not projected into the eyes of the oncoming driver. The lowermost distribution of light specified in this article shall be deemed to avoid glare at all times regardless of road contour. (b) Whenever the driver of a vehicle follows another vehicle within 300 feet to the rear, they shall use the lowermost distribution of light specified in the article. *single beams Headlamps arranged to provide a single distribution of light not supplemented by auxiliary driving lamps are permitted on motor vehicles manufactured and sold prior to September 19, 1940, in lieu of multiple-beam road lighting equipment if the single distribution of light complies with the following requirements and limitations: (a) the headlamps shall be so aimed that when the vehicle is not loaded none of the high intensity portion of the light shall at a distance of 25 feet ahead project higher than a level of five inches below the level of the center of the lamp from which it comes, and in no case higher than 42 inches above the level on which the vehicle stands at a distance of 75 feet ahead. (b) The intensity shall be sufficient to reveal persons and vehicles at a distance of at least 200 feet.

Head lights and auxiliary lamps:

Every vehicle must be equipped with two headlamps one on each side of the front of the vehicle. All drivers must use their headlights beginning at sunset and off at dawn. If a driver is on the road during this time, the driver must turn on their headlights. The headlights are set up with low and high beam lights. The low beam light is the standard light used to illuminate the driving surface and conditions. On rule or mountain roads, you may be required to turn on your low beam lights, to aid other drivers in seeing your vehicle. The high beam lights are only used when the driver's visibility is limited to give the driver a bigger picture of the driving conditions. However not when following within 300 feet from another vehicle this is so you do not "blind" or blur another driver's vision. Without headlights, a driver could not see at night to drive. That is why it is required by law to have both headlamps; and both low and high beam lights working at all times.

Headlights (head lamps):

(a) Every motor vehicle, when operated upon a highway, shall be equipped with a horn in good working order and capable of emitting sound audible under normal conditions from a distance of not less than 200 feet, but no horn shall emit an unreasonable loud or harsh sound. An authorized emergency vehicle used in responding to fire calls may be equipped with, and use in conjunction with the siren on that vehicle, an air horn which emits sounds that do not comply with the requirements of this section. (b) Every refuse or garbage truck purchased after September 1, 1983, shall be equipped with an automatic back-up audible alarm which sounds on backing more than 36 inches and which is capable 1 of emitting sound audible under normal conditions from a distance of not less than 100 feet or shall be equipped with an automatic back-up device which is in good working order, located at the rear of the vehicle and which immediately applies the service brake of the vehicle on contact by the vehicle with any obstruction to the rear. The back-up device or alarm shall also be capable of operation automatically when the vehicle is in neutral or a forward gear but rolls backward. (c) At the first scheduled overhaul for any refuse or garbage truck, the operator shall consider equipping the refuse or garbage truck not equipped in accordance with the requirements of subdivision (b), with the alarm or device required under subdivision (b).

Horn: Horns or warning devices. 27000 CVC:

The hoses allow the fluids to be transported to the proper place within the engine. Antifreeze is a liquid that gets poured into the radiator. The antifreeze keeps your engine running cool in the summer and will not allow the fluids to freeze up in the winter.

Hoses and Antifreeze:

* Headlights (high-beams and low-beams). The headlights may be turned on and used anytime. However, it is required that every vehicle on the road during the hours between dusk (sunset) through dawn (sunrise) turns on and uses their headlights (lowbeam). The driver on a mountain or country road should use their headlights (low-beam) during the daytime hours in order to make their vehicle more visible to other drivers on the roadway. When driving under hazardous weather and road conditions, whenever a driver's visibility is hampered by the elements drivers should turn on their headlights on low-beam during the daytime and the nighttime. The driver on a dark roadway may use their high-beam lights to illuminate the roadway in front of them. However, not when it interferes with the visibility of other vehicles. Do not use your high-beam lights during the day. *taillights Taillights are to be operated in conjunction with the headlights both low and high-beams. The same hours of operation apply to taillights as does headlights. They must be operating during the hours between dusk and dawn. They shall be illuminated when a driver is driving on a mountain or country road. During the daytime and nighttime and when a driver is driving under hazardous weather and road conditions. Whenever and wherever you are using your headlights. *brake lights Brake lights must be in perfect working condition at all times! Whenever you use your brakes, your brake lights must go on, and visible. Your brake lights shall only be illuminated when you are slowing, stopping, and while stopped. They shall not be fixed on constantly. *back-up lights The back-up lights should only be operating when you are preparing to or are backing up your vehicle. They must be working at all times, whenever you operate the vehicle. *turn signals Your turn signals shall only be operating when you are intending too, beginning too or are turning, changing lanes, entering or exiting. They shall remain on before, during and just after completing the maneuver. No turn signal lamp shall be fixed on constantly. *emergency flashers Your emergency flashers shall only be operating when your vehicle is disabled within 10 feet of the roadway. For use during an accident. When there is a hazard on the roadway to warn other drivers. As well as, when in a funeral procession. In addition to when traveling at extreme low speeds. As a warning to the other vehicles out on the roadway. They shall only be operated under these conditions, and shall not be fixed on continuously.

Hours of use:

The steering wheel is the center device for the driver. The steering wheel is connected to and controls the wheels by the axel. By turning the steering wheel in a direction, what you are actually turning are the vehicle's wheels; hence steering wheel. The steering wheels that are in newer cars are usually powered. This means that the steering is much more sensitive and easier to handle. In older cars, this was not available and you are using a lot more muscle to turn the wheels. As a driver, you must always keep your hands on the steering wheel to keep the car positioned within your lane or roadway. To make a right turn or to maneuver a right curve you must turn the steering wheel to the right and guide the vehicle to the degree of that right turn or angle. To make a left turn or to maneuver a left curve, you must turn the steering wheel to the left and guide the vehicle to the degree of that angle. To properly understand the way the steering wheel moves, sit in a parked car and visualize different angles of turns. Practice with the proper hand position and movements. Pretend that a steering wheel is a clock. The left hand should be positioned at 10 o'clock and the right hand should be positioned at 2 o'clock. When turning use the hand over hand movement. Using the hand over hand movement allows the driver the turn the steering wheel smoothly and gives the driver more control of the vehicle. In making a right turn or curve the left hand should start positioned at 10 o'clock, turn the wheel so the left hand now lays at 2 o'clock, while the right hand reaches over to 10 o'clock. Depending on the degree of the turn, the driver may need to repeat these steps. After completing the turn slowly allow the steering wheel to slide back to follow the direction of the road or lane that you are traveling. When traveling on a straight away, hold the 10-2 clock positions and the driver may have to make steering adjustments to stay within their lane or roadway. The degree of the adjustment will be slight. In passing or changing lanes, the driver will make again a slight movement on the steering wheel to allow the vehicle to move into that lane. A good place to practice these maneuvers; once you have your permit is an empty parking lot. This will give you a good practice surface to understand the steering mechanism. Remember to always keep steady on the steering wheel and never make and jerking movements that may send you car out of control.

INTRODUCTION TO THE MOTOR VEHICLE: THE STEERING WHEEL:

The ignition system receives the electrical current sent by the starter, which in turn, the ignition system sends a spark that starts the burning of fuel in the engine.

Ignition System:

Low 1 is the sixth and last gear on the Shifter. Low 1 is a lower gear than Low 2. This gives the driver increased power while ascending. Low 1 gives the descending driver control from gaining too much speed.

LOW 1 (1):

The lighting system consist of headlights, taillights, running lights, dashboard lights, turn signals, interior dome lights, and anything that illuminates a light source. The system works off of the electric stored in the engine of the vehicle.

Lighting System:

Drivers should always be aware of where all of the lighting and ventilation controls are in the vehicle they are driving. Knowing where all the controls are will ensure that your drive will be safer than if you have to look for the controls while driving at the same time.

Lighting and Ventilation Controls:

Any requirement in this chapter as to the distance from which any lighting equipment shall render a person or vehicle visible or within which any lighting equipment shall be visible shall apply during darkness, directly ahead upon a straight, level unlighted highway, and under normal atmospheric conditions, unless a different time, direction, or cushion is expressly stated.

Lighting distance requirements 24251 CVC:

During darkness, a vehicle shall be equipped with lighted lighting equipment as required for the vehicle by this chapter.

Lighting during darkness 24250 CVC:

The high beam and low beam lights on your vehicle are used for visibility. You want to be seen at all times and under all conditions. Drivers must turn on their headlights when driving between dusk and dawn. They should illuminate on the roadway ahead of them. You must use your low beams lights when driving within 300 feet from the approaching vehicle that you are following and when you are within 500 feet of vehicles which is approaching you from the opposite side of the roadway. You want to use your low beam lights when traveling in the daylight under certain conditions. Such as, rain, fog, or on mountain or country roads. Where visibility is difficult, enabling you to see what the road conditions are. They illuminate the roadway in front of you so you are able to see a stalled vehicle, animals, rough road, etc. You should only use high beam lights when there are no oncoming vehicles within 500 feet of you. In addition, when there are no vehicles in front of you within 300 feet. When you are driving down a roadway with your high beam lights on and you are approaching a vehicle within your lane, you must "dim" (switch to your lights to low beam) your lights when you are within300 feet from them. When you are driving down a roadway with your high beam lights on and you see the headlights of an oncoming vehicle, when that vehicle gets 500 feet away from you must "dim" (switch you lights to low beam) your lights. You do this so that you do not "blind" the driver of the vehicles with your lights, since they are aimed at a higher position when they are on high beam, and they will not be able to see. If this happens to you, you want to let the driver know that they need to "dim" their lights. You should flash your lights at the vehicle once, you do this by turning your low beam lights, look to the side of your lane or of the road and follow the road line markings so that you do not run off the road.

Lighting: Purpose: High beams-low beams:

Low 2 is the fifth gear on the Shifter. Low 2 aids the driver on varying degrees of ascending or descending inclines. Used when the driver feels the vehicle is either losing power while ascending, or gaining too much power while descending.

Low 2 (2):

All lighting equipment must be in good working order at all times. The lights are required to be in use and must not be broken. It is important that you always check all of your lights to make sure that they are in working order. This means the headlights, brake lights, taillights, turn signals, back-up lights, and emergency flashers. Make sure that the bulbs and the plastic covering (reflector) are not broken. You will be fined and require to get it fixed if approached by a law enforcement agent.

Maintenance and precautionary measures:

Drivers should have their vehicle's brake system checked every 3,000 miles, to assure that the braking system is working properly. If repair is needed, that driver shall be responsible to repair the brake system or its parts in a timely manner in order to operate the motor vehicle. Never drive the vehicle when its brakes are not working properly. The brake pads are what usually need repair or replaced, since they get the most wear. However, the struts, calipers and many other things can go wrong in the braking system. That is why it is imperative to get frequent checkups. Without your brakes working properly you will not have complete stopping Control with your vehicle. You need to be able to stop at the required time. Remember that good brake control will keep from an accident.

Maintenance and precautionary measures:

Every vehicle must be equipped with a windshield and a rear window that is free of debris, cracks, and dirt. Clean your windshield whenever dirt blocks the visibility of the road. Replace or repair a windshield that has cracks, hairline cracks or is broken. Every vehicle must have a windshield and rear window in place to be operated on California roadways. It is unlawful to operate a motor vehicle whose windshield or rear windows are in such a defective condition as to impair the driver's vision to the front or the rear.

Maintenance:

Frequent inspection of your tires is essential. Improper inflation and cuts or blisters on the sidewall or tread mean trouble. The same is true of nails; glass or metal stuck anywhere in the tire. Because tires do not usually wear down at the same rate, they need to be rotated. Rotating is switching the position from the front to the rear, left to right. Most tires should be rotated every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. You should keep two things in mind when rotating tires: #1. Tire rotation plans differ, depending on the type of tire construction. Be sure to check your owner's manual for the proper plan. #2. If uneven tread wear occurs on the front tires, tire rotation should not be used as a substitute for front-end alignment or new shock absorbers. Remember that high cornering speeds can result in excessive tire wear and reduced safety margin for emergency maneuvers.

Maintenance:

Make sure that all of the components of every seat belt and shoulder restraints are in perfect working order. Check the straps for tears of fraying of material. Make sure that both parts of the buckle are able to fasten and release correctly, and that no part sticks or is missing. If repairs are needed you must repair it immediately. Check the resistance of your safety belt and shoulder straps, to make sure that in an accident it will hold you in place.

Maintenance:

There are two functions to the manifold (there are actually two manifolds). First there is the in-take manifold, which takes in air from the carburetor and directs it to each of the cylinders. Then there is the exhaust manifold, which collects exhaust from the engine and directs it to the exhaust pipe.

Manifold:

The master cylinder is where your brake fluid is kept and drained to the brake lines. Calipers are what grip the brake pads and cause your vehicle to stop.

Master Cylinder and Wheel Cylinders/ Calipers:

(a) (1) No person shall drive any motor vehicle with any object or material placed, displayed, installed, affixed, or applied upon the windshield or side or rear windows. (2) No person shall drive any motor vehicle with any object or material placed, displayed, installed, affixed, or applied in or upon the vehicle which obstructs or reduces the driver's clear view through the windshield or side windows. (3) This subdivision applies to a person driving a motor vehicle with the driver's clear vision through the windshield, or side or rear windows obstructed by snow or ice. (b) This section does not apply to: (1) Rearview mirrors. (2) Adjustable nontransparent sun visors which are mounted forward of the side windows and are not attached to the glass. (3) Signs, stickers, or other materials which are displayed in a 7-inch square in the lower corner of the rear window farthest removed from the driver, or signs, stickers, or other materials which are displayed in a 5- inch square in the lower corner of the windshield nearest the driver. (4) Side windows which are to the rear of the driver. (5) Direction, destination, or terminal signs upon a passenger common carrier motor vehicle or a school bus, if those signs do not interfere with the driver's clear view of approaching traffic. (6) Rear window wiper motor. (7) Rear trunk lid handle or hinges. (8) The rear window or windows, when the motor vehicle is equipped with outside mirrors on both the left-and right-hand sides of the vehicle that are so located as to reflect to the driver a view of the highway through each mirror for a distance of at least 200 feet to the rear of the vehicle. (9) A clear, transparent lens affixed to the side window opposite the driver on a vehicle greater than 80 inches in the width and which occupies an area not exceeding 50 square inches of the lowest corner toward the rear of that window and which provides the driver with a wide-angle view through the lens. (10) Sun screening devices meeting the requirements of section 26708.2 installed on the side windows on either side of the vehicle's front seat, if the driver or a passenger in the front seat has in his or her possession a letter or other document signed by a licensed physician and surgeon certifying that the person must be shaded from the sun due to a medical condition, or has in his or her possession a letter or other document signed by a licensed optometrist certifying that the person must be shaded from the sun due to a visual condition. The devices authorized by this paragraph shall not be used during the darkness. (c) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), transparent material may be installed, affixed, or applied to the topmost portion of the windshield if: (1) The bottom edge of the material is at least 29 inches above the under pressed driver's seat when measured from a point 5 inches in front of the bottom of the backrest with the driver's seat in its rearmost and lowermost position with the vehicle on a level surface. (2) The material is not red or amber in color. (3) There is no opaque lettering on the material and any other lettering does not affect primary colors or distort vision through the windshield. (4) The material does not reflect sunlight or headlight glare into the eyes of occupants of oncoming or following vehicles to any greater extent than the windshield without the material.

Materials obstructing or reducing driver's view 26708 CVC:

The fuel pump moves the fuel from the tank into the engine, where it is burned.

Pump:

*tail lamps 24600 CVC During darkness every motor vehicle which is not in combination with any other vehicle and every vehicle at the end of a combination of vehicles shall be equipped with lighted tail lamps mounted on the rear as follows: (a) Every vehicle shall be equipped with one or more tail lamps. (b) every vehicle, other than a motorcycle, manufactured and first registered on are after January 1, 1958, shall be equipped with not less than two tail lamps, except that trailers and semi trailers manufactured after July 23, 1973, which are less than 30 inches wide, may be equipped with one tail lamp which shall be mounted at or near the vertical centerline of the vehicles. If a vehicle is equipped with two tail lamps, they shall be mounted as specified in subdivision (d). (c) Every vehicle of vehicle at the end of a combination of vehicles, subject to subdivision (a) of section 24406 shall be equipped with not less than two tail lamps. (d) When two tail lamps are required, at least one shall be mounted at the left and one at the right side respectively at the same level. (e) Tail lamps shall be red in color and shall be plainly visible from all distances within 500 feet to the rear except that tail lamps on vehicles manufactured after January 1, 1969, shall be plainly visible from all distances within 1,000 feet to the rear. (f) tail lamps on vehicle manufactured on or after January 1, 1969, shall be mounted not lower than 15 inches nor higher than 72 inches, except that a tow truck, in addition to being equipped with the required tail lamps, may also be equipped with two tail lamps which may be mounted not lower than 15 inches nor higher than the maximum allowable vehicle height and as far forward as the rearmost portion of the driver's seat in the rearmost position. The additional tail lamps on a tow truck shall be lighted whenever the headlamps are lighted. *Stop lamps. 24603 CVC Every motor vehicle which is not in combination with any other vehicle and every vehicle at the end of a combination of vehicles shall at all times be equipped with stop lamps mounted on the rear as follows: (a) Every such vehicle shall be equipped with one or more stop lamps. (b) Every such vehicle, other than a motorcycle, manufactured and first registered on or after January 1, 1973, which are less than 30 inches wide, may be equipped with one stop lamp which shall be mounted on at or near the vertical centerline of the trailer. If such vehicle is equipped with two stop lamps, they shall be mounted as specified in subdivision (d). (c ) except as provided in subdivision (h), stop lamps on vehicles manufactured on or after January 1, 1969, shall be mounted not lower than 15 inches not higher than 72 inches, except that a tow truck, in addition to being equipped with the required stop lamps, may also be equipped with two stop lamps which may be mounted not lower than 15 inches nor higher than the maximum allowance vehicle height and as far forward as the rearmost portion of the driver's seat in the rearmost position. (d) Where two stop lamps are required, at least one shall be mounted at the left and one at the right side, respectively, at the same level. (e) Stop lamps on vehicle manufactured on or after January 1, 1979, shall be emit a red light. Stop lamps on vehicles manufactured before January 1, 1979, shall emit a red or yellow light. All stop lamps shall be plainly visible and understandable form a distance of 300 feet to the rear both during normal sunlight and at nighttime, except that stop lamps on a vehicle of a size required to be equipped with clearance lamps shall be visible from a distance of 500 feet during such times. (f) Stop lamps shall be activated upon application of the service (foot) brake and the hand control head for air, vacuum, or electric brakes. In addition, all stop lamps may be activated by a mechanical device designed to function only upon sudden release of the accelerator while the vehicle is in motion. Stop lamps on vehicles equipped with a manual transmission may be manually activated by a mechanical device when the vehicle is downshifted if the device is automatically rendered inoperative while the vehicle is accelerating. (g) Any vehicle may be equipped with supplemental stop lamps mounted to the rear of the rearmost portion of the driver's seat in its rearmost position in addition to the lamps required to be mounted on the rear of the vehicle. Supplemental stop lamps installed after January 1, 1979, shall be red in color and mounted not lower than 15 inches above the roadway. The supplemental stop lamp on that side of a vehicle toward which a turn will be made may flash as part of the supplemental turn signal lamp. A supplemental stop lamp may be mounted inside the rear window of a vehicle, if it is mounted at the centerline of the vehicle and is constructed and mounted so as to prevent any light, other than monitorial indicator emitted from the device, either direct or reflected, from being visible to the driver. (h) Any supplemental stop lamp installed after January 1, 1987, shall comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108 (49 C.F.R. 571.108). Any vehicle equipped with a stop lamp which complies with the federal motor vehicle safety standards applicable to that make and model vehicle shall conform to that applicable safety standard unless modified to comply with the federal motor vehicle shall conform to that applicable safety standard designated in this subdivision. *back-up lamps 24606 CVC (a) Every motor vehicle, other than a motorcycle, of a type subject to registration and manufactured on and after January 1, 1969, shall be equipped with one or more backup lamps Either separately or in combination with another lamp. Any vehicle may be equipped with backup lamps. (b) backup lamps shall be so directed as to project a white light illuminating the highway to the rear of the vehicle for a distance no to exceed 75 feet. A backup lamp may project incidental red, amber, or white light through reflectors or lenses that are adjacent or close to, or a part of, the lamp assembly. (c) Backup lamps shall not be lighted except when the vehicle is about to be or is backing or except in conjunction with a lighting system which activates the lights for a temporary period after the ignition system is turned off. (d) Any motor vehicle may be equipped with a lamp emitting white light on each side near or on the rear of the vehicle which is designed to provide supplemental illumination in an area to the side and rear not lighted by the backup lamps. These lamps shall be lighted only with the backup lamps.

Rear lighting equipment CVC section:

Mirrors aid the driver in seeing on the sides and to the rear of the car. The side view mirrors are located on the outside of the vehicle, placed in a position so the driver is able to see to their sides and side rear of the vehicle. The driver will need to check the side mirrors while driving to see where the traffic and other vehicles are positioned. The driver will use these side view mirrors to aid in making a lane change or a turn. The driver shall check the appropriate mirror for the direction in which the driver intends to make their maneuver. Look right for a right maneuver \, and look left for a left maneuver. Do not solely rely on the side view mirrors to give you the complete picture, since all cars have blind spots. The driver should also look over the appropriate shoulder before starting the maneuver. The rear view mirror is located at the top center of the driver's windshield. The rear view mirror is used to see directly behind the vehicle. This will aid the driver in seeing any problems that may arise such as a speeding car, a tail-gator, an emergency vehicle, an out of control vehicle and so on. A good driver should be constantly checking the rear view mirror to watch for such troubles. Another common example of when and why a driver should always be using the rear view mirror is: A driver is coming to a traffic light, the light is turning yellow; which means yield, and the driver has to make a split second decision whether it is safe for the driver to successfully come to a stop or to continue through the traffic light. The driver must take into consideration many aspects. The drivers should look in the rear view mirror to see if the cars traveling behind them are traveling at a safe distance from your vehicle to stop without a traffic collision. If the car traveling behind the driver is too close, the driver should consider going through the intersection, as long as the intersection is clear.

Mirrors and Windshields: Mirrors:

(a) Every motor vehicle registered in a foreign jurisdiction and every motorcycle subject to registration in this state shall be equipped with a mirror so located as to reflect to the driver a view of the highway for a distance of at least 200 feet to the rear of such vehicle. Every motor vehicle subject to registration in this state, except a motorcycle, shall be equipped with not less than two such mirrors, including one affixed to the left-hand side. (b) The following described types of motor vehicles, of a type subject to registration, shall be equipped with mirrors on both the left-and right-hand sides of the vehicle so located as to reflect to the driver a view of the highway through each mirror for a distance of at least 200 feet to the rear of such vehicle: (1) A motor vehicle so constructed or loaded to obstruct the driver's view to the rear. (2) A motor vehicle towing a vehicle and the towed vehicle or lad thereon obstructs the driver's view to the rear. (3) A bus or trolley coach. (c) The provisions of subdivision (b) shall not apply to a passenger vehicle when the load obstructing the driver's view consists of passengers.

Mirrors.26709 CVC:

Neutral is the third gear on the shifter. Neutral allows the driver to stop the gears from moving the vehicle forward or backwards.

Neutral (N):

No passenger truck may be allowed or allow any persons to ride in the bed of their trucks, without having safety restraints. This is due to accidents where the persons riding without restraints have been thrown out of the truck, receiving serious or fatal injuries.

New law regarding safety belts on open bed vehicles:

Vehicles should have its oil changed and be lubricated roughly every 3000 miles.

Oil Changes and Lubrication:

Park, which is the position the vehicle, starts out in. Most vehicles will not start if not in the park position.

Park (P):

The parking brake is the emergency brake. Either located in the center of the console or on the floor left of the brake or clutch. Use your parking brake when you're parking your vehicle and always when you are parked on a hill. The emergency brake is needed in the case your regular braking system fails.

Parking Brake:

The parking brake system of every motor vehicle shall comply with the following requirements: (a) The parking brake shall be adequate to hold the vehicle or combination of vehicles stationary on any grade on which it is operated under all conditions of loading on a surface free from snow, ice or loose material. In any event the parking brake shall be capable of locking the braked wheels to the limit of traction. (b) The parking brake shall be applied either by the driver's muscular efforts, by spring action, or by other energy which is isolated and used exclusively for the operation of the parking brake or the combination parking brake and emergency stopping system. (c) The parking brake shall be held in the applied position solely by mechanical means.

Parking brake system. 26451 CVC:

No driver shall have a device that blocks the driver's view of the windshield, side windows, side mirrors, nor rear view mirror. Any sun shading device must be translucent and colored neutral smoke, green, or gray and have a luminous transmittance of not less than 35%. No individual louver shall have a vertical dimension exceeding /16 inch. No sun-shading device shall have a reflective quality in excess of 35% on the inner or out surface. There should not be any materials placed, displayed, installed, affixed, or applied to the windshield or side windows. The driver shall clear all snow and ice when it obstructs the view through the windshield, rear window, and side windows. = There shall not be signs, stickers, or other material displayed in such a way that it obstructs the clear view through the windshield, rear window, or side windows.No device shall be affixed, installed, displayed, placed, or applied that has a reflective quality, sending a glare into the eyes of drivers of oncoming and following vehicles.

Prohibited devices or equipment:

Every motor vehicle shall be vehicle shall be equipped with a service brake system and every motor vehicle, other than a motorcycle, shall be equipped with a partying brake system. Both the service brake and parking brake shall be separately applied. If the two systems are connected in any way they shall be so constructed that failure of any one part, except failure in the drums, brake shoes, or other mechanical parts of the wheel brake assemblies, shall not leave the motor vehicle without operative brakes.

Required brake system. 26450 CVC:

Tread depth can prove to be critical in certain situations. The minimum legal tread depth, 2.32 inch, is indicated on newer tires by a tread-wear indicator bat that is built into the tire. However, while 2/32 inch of tread may be adequate on smooth, dry surface, it may be dangerous on a wet surface. Most manufacturers recommend a range of tire pressures. Pressure should never be allowed to fall below the suggested minimum. In fact, vehicle control generally improves slightly when tires are inflated up toward the pressure recommended for long-distance high-speed driving. This higher pressure may sacrifice some of the smooth ride that a softer tire provides, but it will give additional traction. Furthermore, tire sidewalls flex more when they are under inflated. This increased the internal friction of tire fabrics and thus increases the chance of tire failure.

Required condition, inflation and tread:

Every vehicle must be equipped with a service brake system, parking brake, and an emergency brake system. This will consist of drums, brake shoes (pads), struts, calipers or other mechanical parts of the wheel assemblies. Maintenance must be done on a regular basis, so the vehicle will not be without operative brakes. All brakes and their component parts shall be maintained in good condition and in good working order. Have the brakes adjusted to operate in conjunction with the wheels on the opposite side of the vehicle.

Required systems:

Reverse is the second gear on the shifter. Reverse allows the driver to go backwards.

Reverse(R):

Each vehicle should be equipped with flares. Flares are needed if a vehicle breaks down or if there is an emergency. They send a red fire that directs traffic away from the vehicle.

Safety Aids: Flares:

Every vehicle on the road must be equipped with a safety restraint device (seat belt), for every passenger in the vehicle. Some newer cars offer an air bag for the driver and some with a bag for both driver and the passenger. The safety restraints are devices that help the driver and passengers of vehicles survive a traffic collision with the most protection possible. Although it is required, that all persons in a vehicle use the seat belts; It is not required as of yet that all cars are equipped with air bags. USE AND MAINTENANCE OF REQUIRED SAFETY EQUIPMENT.

Safety Equipment:

(a) The legislature finds that a mandatory seatbelt law will contribute to reducing highway deaths and injuries by encouraging greater usage of existing manual seatbelts, that automatic crash protection systems which require no action by vehicle occupants offer the best hope of reducing deaths and injuries, and that encouraging the use of manual safety belts is only a partial remedy for addressing this major cause of death and injury. The legislature safety standards requiring automatic crash protection systems and should not be used in any manner to rescind federal requirements for installation of automatic restraints in new cars (b) This section shall be known and may be cited as the private passenger motor vehicle safety act. (c) As used in this section, "private passenger motor vehicle" means any passenger vehicle and any motor truck of less than 6,001 lbs. unladen weight, but "private passenger motor vehicle" does not include a motorcycle. (d) (1) No person shall operate a private shall operate a private passenger motor vehicle on a highway unless that person and all passengers ( ) 1 16 years of age or over are properly restrained by a safety belt. This paragraph shall not apply to the operator of the taxicab, as defined in section 27908, when the taxicab is driven on a city street. The safety belt requirement established by this paragraph is the minimum safety standard applicable to employees being transported in a private passenger motor vehicle. This paragraph does not preempt any more stringent or restrictive standards imposed by the labor code or any other state or federal regulation regarding the transportation of employees in a private passenger motor vehicle. (2) The operator of a limousine for hire or the operator of an authorized emergency vehicle, as defined in subdivision (a) of section 165, shall not operate the limousine for hire or authorized emergency vehicle unless the operator and any passengers, four years of age or over and weighing 40 pounds or more, in the front seat are properly restrained by a safety belt. (3) The operator of a taxicab shall not operate the taxicab unless any passengers, four years of age and over and weighing 40 pounds or more, in the front seat are properly restrained by a safety belt. (e) No person 16 years of age or over shall be a passenger in a private passenger motor vehicle on a highway unless that person is properly restrained by a safety belt. (f) Every owner of a private passenger motor vehicle, including every owner or operator of a taxicab, as defined in section 27908, or a limousine for hire, operated on a highway shall maintain safety belts in good working order for the use of occupants of the vehicle. The safety belts shall conform to motor vehicle safety standards established by the United States Department of Transportation. This subdivision does not, however, require installation or maintenance of safety belts where not required by the laws of the United States applicable to the vehicle at the time of its initial sale. (g) This section does not apply to a passenger or operator with a physically disabling condition or medical condition which would prevent appropriate restraint in a safety belt, if the condition is duly certified by a licensed physician and surgeon or by a licensed chiropractor who shall state the nature of the condition, as well as the reason the restraint is inappropriate. This section also does not apply to a peace officer, as defined in paragraph (1) of subdivision (b) of section 165, or to any passenger in any seat behind the front seat of an authorized emergency vehicle as defined in paragraph (1) of subdivision (b) of section 165 operated by the peace officer, unless required by the agency employing the peace officer. (h) Notwithstanding subdivision (a) of section 42001, any violation of subdivision (d), (e), or (f) is an infraction punishable by fine, including all penalty assessments and court costs imposed on the convicted person, of not more than twenty dollars ($20) for a first offense, and a fine, including all penalty assessments and court costs imposed on the convicted person, of not more than fifty dollars ($50) for each subsequent offense. In lieu of the fine and any penalty assessment of court costs, the court, pursuant to section 42005, may order that a person convicted of a first offense attend a school for traffic violators or a driving school in which the proper use of safety belts is demonstrated. (I) For any violation of subdivision (d), (e), or (f), in addition to the fines provided for pursuant to subdivision (h) and the penalty assessments provided for pursuant to section 1464 of the penal code, an additional penalty assessment of two dollars ($2) shall be levied for any first offense, and an additional penalty assessment of five dollars ($5) shall be levied for any subsequent offense. All moneys collected pursuant to this subdivision shall be utilized in accordance with section 1464 of the penal code. (j) In any civil action, a violation of subdivision (d), (e), or (f) or information of a violation of subdivision (h) shall not establish negligence as a matter of law or negligence per se for comparative fault purposes, but negligence may be proven as a fact without regard to the violation (k) If the United States Secretary of Transportation fails to adopt safety standards for manual safety belt systems by September 1, 1989, no private passenger motor vehicle manufactured after that date for sale or sold in this state shall be registered unless it contains a manual safety belt system which meets the performance standards applicable to automatic crash protection devices adopted by the Secretary of Transportation pursuant to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 208 (49 C.F.R. 571.208) as in effect on January 1, 1985. (1) Each private passenger motor vehicle offered for original sale in this state which has been manufactured on or after September 1, 1989, shall comply with the automatic restraint requirements of section s4.1.2.1 of Federal Motor Safety Standard no. 208 (49 C.F.R. 571.208), as published in Volume 49 of the Federal Register, No. 138, page 29009. Any automobile manufacturer who sells or delivers a private passenger motor vehicle subject to the requirements Of this subdivision, and fails to comply with this subdivision, shall be punished by a fine of not more than five hundred dollars ($500) for each sale or delivery of a noncom plying private passenger motor vehicle. (m) Compliance with subdivision (k) or (l) by a manufacturer shall be made by self- certification in the same manner as self-certification is accomplished under federal law. (n) This section does not apply to a person actually engaged in delivery of newspapers to customers along the person's route if the person is properly restrained by a safety belt prior to commencing and subsequent to completing delivery on the route. (o) This section does not apply to a person actually engaged in collection and delivery activities as a rural delivery carrier for the United States Postal Service if the person is properly restrained by a safety belt prior to stopping at the first box and subsequent to stopping at the last box on the route. (p) Subdivisions (d), (e), (f), (g), and (h) shall become inoperative immediately upon the date that the United State Secretary of Transportation, or his or her delegate, determines to rescind the portion of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 208 (49 C.F.R. 571.208) which requires the installation of automatic restraints in new private passenger motor vehicles, except that those subdivisions shall not become inoperative if the secretary's decision to rescind that standard no. 208 is not based on, in any respect, on the enactment or continued operation of those subdivisions. (q) This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 1996, and as of that date is repealed, unless a later enacted statute, which is enacted before January 1, 1996, delegates or extends that date.

Safety belts: Requirements. 27315 CVC:

Shock absorbers and strut operation should be checked for security of mounting periodically.

Shocks and Struts:

*turn signal system required 24950 CVC. Whenever any motor vehicle is towing a trailer coach or camp trailer the combination of vehicles shall be equipped with a lamp-type signal system. *turn signal system 24951 CVC (a) Any vehicle may be equipped with a lamp-type turn signal system capable of clearly indicating any intention to turn either to the right or to the left. (b) The following vehicles shall be equipped with a lamp-type turn signal system meeting the requirements of this chapter. (1) Motor trucks, truck tractors, buses and passenger vehicles, other than motorcycles, manufactured and first registered on or after January 1, 1958. (2) Trailers and semi trailers manufactured and first registered between December 31, 1957, and January 1, 1969, having a gross weight of 6,000 pounds or more. (3) Trailers and semi trailers 80 or more inches in width manufactured on or after January 1, 1969. (4) Motorcycles manufactured and first registered on or after January 1, 1973, except motor-driven cycles whose speed stainable in one mile is 30 miles per hour or less. The requirements of this subdivision shall not apply to special mobile equipped or auxiliary dollies. (c) Turn signal lamps on vehicles manufactured on or after January 1, 1969, shall be mounted not lower than 15 inches. *visibility requirements of signals 24952 CVC A lamp-type turn signal shall be plainly visible and understandable in normal sunlight and at nighttime from a distance of at least 300 feet to the front and rear of the vehicle except that turn signal lamps on vehicles of a size required to be equipped with clearance lamps shall be visible from a distance of 500 feet during such times. *turn signal lamps 24953 CVC (a) Any turn signal system used to give signal indication to turn right or left shall project a flashing whit or amber light visible to the front and a flashing red or amber light visible to the rear. (b) side-mounted turn signal lamps projecting a flashing amber light to either side may be used to supplement the front and rear turn signals. Side mounted turn signal lamps mounted to the rear of the center of the vehicle may project a flashing red light no part of which shall be visible from the front. (c ) In addition to any required turn signal lamps, any vehicle may be equipped with supplemental rear turn signal lamps mounted to the rear of the rearmost portion of the of the driver's seat in its rearmost position. (d) in addition to any required or authorized turn signal lamps, any vehicle may be equipped with supplemental rear turn signal lamps that are mounted on, or are an integral portion of, the outside rearview mirrors, so long as the lamps flash simultaneously with the rear turn signal lamps, the light emitted from the lamps is projected only to the rear of the vehicle and is not visible to the driver under normal operating conditions, and the lamps do not project a glaring light.

Signal lamps and devices (CVC section):

What are Signals? The signals are the lighting devices that allow you to inform other drivers on the roadway what your intentions are. The four main ways to signal are:

Signals:

Ensure that smog control devices are intact and connected properly as required by the state of California. Your vehicle will have to have its smog emissions checked periodically in order to be registered by the DMV.

Smog Control:

California's basic speed law says that you must never drive faster that is safe for the present weather and road conditions. Regardless of the posted speed limit. The basic law is set-up to minimize traffic accidents and congestion.

Speed:

A vehicle with standard transmission must change the car's gears themselves. This is done by the gearshift, which is on the floor or the steering column. Depending on the vehicle, the car could have as few as gears or as many as six gears. The gears aid the vehicle is achieving greater speed, fuel economy, vehicle control, and general mobility. Vehicle with a standard transmission are equipped with a clutch. The clutch is the neutralizer, which allows the transmission and the driver to switch the gears. To switch gears the driver must push in the clutch with the left foot while releasing the accelerator with the right, then the driver will use the gear shift to put the vehicle in the needed gear.

Standard Transmission:

The starter motor system in your vehicle is responsible for starting the engine. The electrical charge from the battery comes into the starter and then sends an additional electric charge, which starts the engine.

Starter Motor:

The steering system is the central mechanism for maneuvering the automobile. The steering wheel is what allows the driver to turn in varying degrees while the vehicle is in motion.

Steering System:

Sun screening devices permitted by paragraph (10) of subdivision (b) of section 26708 shall meet the following requirements: (a) The devices shall be held in place by means allowing ready removal from the window area, such as a frame, a rigid material with temporary fasteners, or flexible roller shade. (b) Devices utilizing transparent material shall be green, grey, or neutral smoke in color and shall have a luminous transmittance of not less than 35 percent. (c) Devices utilizing nontransparent louver or other alternating patterns of opaque and open sections shall have an essentially uniform pattern over the entire surface, except for framing and supports. At least 35% of the device area shall be open and no individual louver or opaque section shall have a projected vertical dimension exceeding 3/16 inch. (d) The devices shall not have a reflective quality exceeding 35 percent on either the inner or outer surface.

Sun screening devices: Requirements. 26708.2 CVC:

The suspension system is made up of springs and shock absorbers that protect a car from bumps and jolts. Allowing the passengers to have a smooth ride.

Suspension Systems:

The purpose of taillights is so that you are visible during darkness to vehicles behind you and beside you, when you are driving on all roadways. Every vehicle has two working taillights one on the right side and one on the left side of the rear of the vehicle. The taillights are red and should be visible within 1,000 feet to the rear. This is true with any vehicle that is being towed such as a trailer or another vehicle.

Taillights:

The emergency flashers are usually located on the dashboard of the vehicle, labeled by a red and white emergency symbol. The driver of a vehicle should only use these as a signal to an emergency situation. If the driver of a vehicle is having mechanical problems, physical health problems, or there is an emergency situation on the roadway ahead. The driver should use the emergency flashers to warn the other drivers. So they can prepare and slow down. The driver should always use the emergency flashers when they are on the side of the road.

The Emergency Flashers:

The standard transmission has at the least four gears, plus a neutral position. The vehicles have first, second, third, and reverse. Other vehicles may have first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and reverse. The transmission of the vehicle is designed to change gears at different speed. All vehicles must start in either 1st or reverse in order to get the car moving smoothly. If the driver is pulling onto a highway from a side road from a stopped position, the driver will put the vehicle into first gear. Then as the vehicle gains speed, the driver will need to change the car into second gear; this usually will happen at 15 mph. Then as the vehicle reaches around 30 mph the driver will switch the car into third gear. The driver of a vehicle with standard transmission must follow the sequence of the numbers on the gears to increase the speed of the vehicle. To reduce the speed of the vehicle with standard transmission gradually, the driver will reverse the gear process: from 3rd to 2nd, from 2nd to 1st. Reverse is to be used when a driver needs to go backwards.

The Gears:

The parking brake is your secondary braking system. You should use the parking brake when they park the vehicle. This will keep the car from rolling away from its parked position.

The Parking Brake:

To use your turning signals you must first locate the signaling indicator. The signaling indicator is usually located on the steering column at 9 o'clock just on the side of the steering wheel. To signal a right lane change or right turns you should push up and to the right on the signal indicator. To signal a left lane change or left turns you should push down and to the left on the signal indicator. When you use the turn signal, it will illuminate the lights on the rear and front. The driver signals to the right this will illuminate the right rear and right front signal lights. Which when illuminated will flash off and on to warn the other drivers on the road of your intentions. To indicate a left turn or lane change the left rear and front lights will illuminate off and on, again to warn the other drivers on the road of your intentions.

The Signaling indicator (The Turn Signals):

The use of the brake lights. When should the driver use the brake lights, and how do they use them? The brake lights are red lights that are on the back of each vehicle. They allow the driver to indicate a stop, slowing, or an emergency situation. The brake lights are electrically wired to the braking system. As the driver of a vehicle presses down on the brake pedal, the brake lights will illuminate on the back of the car to indicate slowing or stopping. The brake pedal is the pedal in the center of the driver's floorboard. For the driver to brake, the driver should release the right foot from the accelerator. Next, the driver moves their right foot onto the brake pedal and gently presses down. This will warn drivers behind the braking vehicle that they are slowing, stopping or of an emergency. The driver should always allow enough of a braking cushion in the front and the back of the car.

The Use of Brake Lights:

The use of hand gestures replaces the turn signals. Hand signals must be used when the turn signals are not working properly. To indicate a right turn the driver should lower the driver's window and put their left arm out in an "L" shape. The arm should be straight out from the shoulder and bent up towards the sky for the elbow to the hand. This will inform the other drivers of the right turn. To indicate a left turn the driver should completely extend the arm straight out. This will inform the other drivers on the road of your intentions. To indicate a stop or slow down, the driver should extend the arm out straight from the shoulder, and at the elbow the arm should be bent straight down towards the ground. This will allow other drivers to be prepared for your vehicle to slow or stop.

The Use of Hand Gestures:

The windshield is the driver's direct view of traffic and the road conditions in front of the vehicle. The driver is positioned in the driver's seat to look out through the windshield. The windshield is the largest window on any car. A good driver will be able to scan the entire area within the windshield's view.

The Windshield:

The thermostat controls the temperature in the engine and water. If the thermostat is not working correctly the engine will overheat.

Thermostat:

*Vehicle control. The general construction of tires, their depth, and their inflation are all important to vehicle control. Tires with proper tread provide the driver with maneuverability on the roadway. Vehicle control generally improves slightly when tires are inflated up toward the pressure recommended for long-distance high-speed driving. The higher pressure may sacrifice some of the smooth ride that a softer tire provides, but will give additional traction * Traction Tires provide traction, holding a grip between the vehicle and the roadway. If the tires do not provide sufficient traction to execute the desired maneuver, you place yourself into a dangerous position. Your traction will be less under weather and road conditions; such as rain, snow, icy, grave or dirt roads.

Tires: Purpose:

(a) No dealer or person holding a retail seller's permit shall sell, offer for sale, expose for sale, or install on a vehicle a vehicle axle for use on a highway, a pneumatic tire when the tire has less than the tread depth specified in subdivision (b). This subdivision does not apply to any person who installs on a vehicle, as part of an emergency service rendered to a disabled vehicle as specified in subdivision (a): (1) One thirty-second (1/32) of an inch tread depth in any two adjacent grooves at any location of the tire, except as provide din paragraphs (2) and (3). (2) Four thirty second (4/32) of an inch tread depth at all points in all major grooves on a tire on the steering axle of any motor vehicle specified in section 34500, and two-second of an inch tread depth at all points in all major grooves on all other tires on the axles of these vehicles. (3) Six thirty-second (6/32) of an inch tread depth at all points in all major grooves on snow tires used in lieu of tire traction devices in posted traction device control areas. (c) The measurement of tread depth shall not be made where tie bars, humps, or fillets are located. (d) The requirements of this section shall not apply to implements of husbandry. (e) The department, if it determines that such action is appropriate and in keeping with reasonably safety requirements, may adopt regulations establishing more stringent tread depth requirements than those specified in this section for those vehicles defined in sections 322 and 545, and may adopt regulations establishing tread depth requirements different from those specified in this section for those vehicles listed in section 34500.

Tread depth of pneumatic tires. 27465 CVC:

Engine tune-ups and transmission service should be done as recommended by the cars manufacturer.

Tune-ups:

Every vehicle must be equipped with four turn signal light indicators. One fixed to the front right side. One fixed to the rear right side. One fixed to the front left side. One fixed to the rear left side. The turn signal must be visible during daytime and nighttime driving. If shall be visible from a distance of at least 300 feet to the front and rear of the vehicle. It will project a flashing white or amber light to both the right or left front and rear of the vehicle. The turn signals warn drivers that the vehicle is intending to turn right or left, make a right or left lane change, or will be exiting or entering.

Turn signals:

(a) The driver of a motor vehicle when reasonably necessary to insure safe operation shall give audible warning with his horn. (b) The horn shall not otherwise be used, except as a theft alarm system which operates as specified in article 13 (commencing with section 28085) of this chapter.

Use of horn 27001 CVC:

*headlights (low and high-beam) Your low-beam headlights must be visible 100 feet in front of the vehicle. Any driver using their highbeam lights must "dim" their lights when a vehicle is approaching from the opposite side of the road, so not to "blind" the driver of said vehicle. When approaching a vehicle with your high-beam lights on you must "dim" then when you reach a distance of 300 feet off the rear of their vehicle, so you do not "blind" the driver of said vehicle. *taillights Shall be visible at a distance of 1,000 feet off the rear of your vehicle and shall be plainly visible during the night and day when illuminated. *brake lights Brake lights shall be plainly visible and understandable during the daytime and nighttime, from a distance of 300 feet to the rear of the vehicle. *back-up lights They shall illuminate the highway to the rear of the vehicle, for a distance not to exceed 75 feet. *turning signals A lamp type signal shall be plainly visible and understandable in normal sunlight and at nighttime from a distance of at least 300 feet to the front and rear of the vehicle. *emergency flashers Shall be plainly visible and understandable in normal daylight and at nighttime. They should be visible from a distance of at least 300 feet to the front and rear of the vehicle.

Visibility requirements:

The water pump pumps water out of the radiator and into the engine. Where in the engine it cools down the engine, keeping the engine from overheating.

Water Pump:

(a) Every motor vehicle, except motorcycles, equipped with a windshield shall also be equipped with a self-operating windshield wiper. (b) Every new motor vehicle first registered after December 31, 1949, except motorcycles, shall be equipped with two such windshield wipers, except that any motor vehicle may be equipped with a single wiper so long as it meets the wiped area requirements in Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards Governing Windshield Wiping and Washing Systems. (c) This section does not apply to snow removal equipment equipped with adequate manually operated windshield wipers.

Windshield wipers 26706 CVC:

(a) Except as provided in subdivision (b), a passenger vehicle, other than a motorcycle, and every bus, motor truck or truck trailer, and every fire truck, fire engine or other fire apparatus, whether publicly or privately owned, shall be equipped with adequate windshield. (b) Subdivision (a) does not apply to any vehicle issued identification plates pursuant to section 5004 which was not required to be equipped with a windshield at the time it was first sold or registered under the laws of this state, another state, or foreign jurisdiction.

Windshields 26700 CVC: